BULLARD, Texas -– The ground sliding beneath a home in Cherokee County has a troubled past, court documents obtained by News 8 revealed.
The house at 576 Lake Bluff Drive South has shifted towards Lake Palestine and a second-story veranda has collapsed.
The current homeowners moved out approximately two weeks ago, according to Cypress Premier Homes, the development company for Eagle's Bluff, a private golfing community.
According to the Cherokee County Assessor's Office, the assessed value of the home was $500,990.
A 2008 lawsuit filed in Cherokee County involved the homeowner at the time, Timothy L. Pullen, and several parties, including the developer, contractor, and the company charged with performing soil testing.
Randy Roberts, a Tyler-based attorney who represented Pullen and at least two other homeowners, said his client settled the case for an undisclosed amount.
"What came out of the case was that the soil testing was inadequate," Roberts said. "A collapse was inevitable."
The Smith County Fire Marshal's Office said volunteer firefighters confirmed all utilities were turned off at the home earlier this week.
"We're concerned the home will fall into Lake Palestine," said Assistant Fire Marshal Connie McCoy-Wasson. "There's really nothing we can do about it."
McCoy-Wasson said she realized the home actually sits just outside of her jurisdiction in Cherokee County.
